Questions resurface concerning the collapse of SAO platform
The scrutiny surrounding the fallen State Audit Office (SAO) building has been reignited due to a recent news report revealing ongoing issues with the construction project, initially kickstarted in 2009.
According to the Isra News Agency, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has substantiated allegations against former Auditor-General Khunying Jaruvan Maintaka and others concerning a 25.8-million-baht design contract connected to the project.
The original plan was to construct the building on a 15-rai plot in Pathum Thani, owned by the Treasury Department. However, the location was eventually shifted to the Chatuchak area in Bangkok – the very site where the building under construction collapsed during the March 28 earthquake.
Irregularities noticeably emerged when the SAO issued a call for tender to design the new office building on Oct 28, 2009. The terms of reference permitted juristic persons to bid without necessitating them to hold an architect or engineering license from the relevant professional councils.
This move sparked concern from the Architect Council of Thailand, who communicated a letter dated Nov 12, 2009, urging a revision to ensure the bidders possessed valid professional licences.
Despite receiving this recommendation, Khunying Jaruvan overlooked it – a decision perceived as a breach of the Architect Act. The allegation suggested this decision tipped the scales in favor of a joint venture, Cabinet Engineer-Arwut Ngernchuklin, which lacked the required professional qualifications.
Out of the four companies that submitted bids, Design Develop Ltd was initially selected by the SAO's procurement committee for having the highest technical score. However, Uthai Thongkhum, chairman of the terms of reference (ToR) committee, filed an unjustified request for a review.
In response, a new review committee was established, ultimately reversing the decision and granting the contract to Cabinet Engineer-Arwut Ngernchuklin. The 25.8-million-baht contract was signed on Feb 11, 2010.
In September 2011, the NACC concluded that both Khunying Jaruvan and Mr Uthai were liable for criminal investigation under Section 157 of the Criminal Code and Section 12 of the anti-price collusion law.
The NACC has submitted its findings to the Office of the Attorney General and urged the SAO to seek compensation for damages. It also urged that the actions of the joint venture be reported to the Comptroller-General's Department.
The case remains unresolved as of now, with all accused parties being presumed innocent until adequately proven otherwise.
The ongoing politics surrounding the fallen State Audit Office (SAO) building has been heightened due to the recent general news report, revealing ongoing issues with the construction project, including allegations against former Auditor-General Khunying Jaruvan Maintaka and others. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has substantiated these allegations, connecting them to a 25.8-million-baht design contract relating to the project.
